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Light installations, ice sculptures, cultural stories and a wintry panache of art await at the Deep Freeze Winter Festival.
Light up your holiday season with Alberta, BC events
From breathtaking light displays in British Columbia to festive markets in Alberta, Western Canada knows how to celebrate winter like nowhere else. This festive season is packed with epic events, so if you have openings in your calendar, it’s time to change that now.
We’ve rounded up some must-see winter festivals for the 2025 holiday season. Spanning from Vancouver to Banff and Edmonton, and more, these festivals are exactly what you need to make this festive season one to remember.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
Vancouver, BC, Nov 29, 2025 -Jan 5,2026
Immerse yourself in a botanical wonderland this winter season at the VanDusen Festival of Lights. Wander through 15 acres of twinkling lights, featuring a captivating new interactive mycelium installation and a display inspired by BC’s iconic Great Bear Rainforest.
In Search of Christmas Spirit
Banff, AB, Dec 18-31, 2025
Set within the Cascade Garden, this magical outdoor experience follows an enchanted trail brought to life with glowing sculptures, immersive storytelling, and captivating soundscapes. Get more event details here.
Northern Light Spirit Show
Grande Prairie, AB, Nov 14-Dec 31, 2024
Really, there is nothing that screams "Jingle Bells" more than the Northern Spirit Light Show at Evergeen Park in Grande Prairie. Ride the festive sleigh ride or winter cruise through dazzling light displays—entirely crafted by local families, community groups and businesses.
Truly, is there anything more festive than supporting a great cause? In all the event has raised over $600,000 over its 16+ year history.
Learn more about how you can make a change too!
Northern Spirit light show in the boreal forest of Grande Prairie.
Zoolights
Calgary, AB, Nov 14, 2025-Jan 4, 2026
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is back for its 28th season in 2024-25—bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever! Calgary’s favorite holiday spectacle transforms the zoo into a magical winter wonderland guaranteed to spark your festive spirit.
Glow Langley
Langley, BC, Nov 21- Dec 31, 2025
Glow Langley is back with a new theme: The Enchanted Forest. Step into a world of light-filled gardens, whimsical creatures, and talking trees in a winter adventure that celebrates nature. Get your glow on here!
Glow Edmonton (YEG)
Edmonton, AB, Dec 4- Dec 31, 2025
Glow Edmonton (YEG) brings the magic of Christmas to life with a nostalgic twist. The theme this year is Christmas Carnival, blending the joy of the holiday season with the vibrant excitement of a carnival, all set in the Edmonton Expo Centre. Find out more here!
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With so many incredible winter festivals lighting up Western Canada this season, there really is no reason to let FOMO dim your spirits. So if you’re missing out on Taylor Swift, don’t worry. These festivals will definitely make your wildest dreams come true!
More Winter Festivals
Start planning for the 2025-26 winter season with a look at some of the top winter festivals in British Columbia and Alberta below.
